Waste Stations Help Clean the Environment

Sacramento California, September 21, 2001 - Water is priceless, vital and essential. We use it to grow food. We play in it. We drink it.

The Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Utilities have partnered to create "Dog Waste Stations" to reduce water runoff containing pet waste. Five Parks have been equipped with these Dog Waste Stations: Tahoe Park, McKinley Park, Jefferson Park, Glenn Hall Park and William Land Park.

"The City of Sacramento's Stormwater Program encourages residents to always properly dispose of their dog waste, not only when they are in the park, but at home and in the neighborhood," said Elissa Callman of the Utilities Department. Unmanaged pet waste in parks hurt the environment. "Rainwater and irrigation runoff containing pet waste carry bacteria to our waterways. The goal of this program is to keep our parks clean and protect water quality and human health."

Each Dog Waste Station is equipped with complimentary plastic bags, instructions on proper disposal, and environmental benefits. If dogs were counted in the City population, they would account for approximately 20 percent of our population.

"Pet waste flows into storm drains and on to our creeks and rivers," said Janet Baker of the Department of Parks and Recreation. "Pet waste contains parasites and disease-transmitting organisms. It's unhealthy for both humans and wildlife. Pet waste also contributes to the growth of algae. When pet waste decomposes it uses up even more oxygen in our creeks and rivers." Baker said that, in the future, other parks throughout the City will be equipped with Dog Waste Stations.